Episodes
Ben’s close encounter with an obsessive fan. Plus we ask why writers create good-looking psychopaths and we explore your character suggestions in this special bonus edition.
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With Mark and Simon setting off on their rip-roaring canal cruise, this week’s episode sees favourites Rhianna Dhillon and Anna Bogutskaya take the helm of the good ship Take.
Rhianna chats to SAG Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair to find out more about the strikes, including what actors are fighting for and the wider implications for the industry.
Anna reviews ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’, the star-studded, Seth Rogen co-penned, computer-animated superhero outing, which sees the iconic Turtles set out to be accepted as normal teenagers through acts of heroism; ‘The ...
As Season 2 hits our screens, we reflect on the recipe that had everyone crying into their dinner, how Carmy and Ritchie approach grief differently and how advice from a Vietnamese Buddist Monk can be applied to a professional kitchen.
The Bear is available to watch on Disney Plus. As ever, adult issues, language and spoilers will be sprinkled liberally throughout the show.
If you want to catch the BBC show that Ben is in (as mentioned): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0fvlpf9/the-sixth-commandment
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the ...
The humanity in growing old. Mattel's uncomfortable history. The undeniability of Ryan Gosling. This week’s episode sees Simon discuss all things ‘Barbie’, already one of the hottest – and pinkest – films of the year, with its wonderfully thoughtful co-writer and director Greta Gerwig.
And if that’s not enough, Mark reviews the other big-hitter of the summer, ‘Oppenheimer’, Christopher Nolan’s epic biographical thriller about the scientist who developed the atomic bomb; and the second season of ‘The Bear’, Christopher Storer’s dynamic, heart-filled kitchen comedy, which sees the chefs at T...
You’d think someone with two therapist parents would be golden. Why Otis is scared of sex. Plus what’s worse, having a parent who is strict or a smotherer? We look at what it’s like for the rest of the boys such as Eric, Adam and Jackson in the second of this two-parter on the hugely popular Netflix show.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association f...
The terror of wondering whether Tom Cruise has died. Writing the rulebook for shooting in a pandemic. The artistic mediocrity of AI. Even more Tom Cruise! This week’s episode sees Simon sit down for a chat with another iconic Simon, the brilliant Simon Pegg, who has once again strapped on his harness to join the Mission Impossible crew for its seventh stunt-filled, death-defying outing.
Mark reviews ‘Medusa’, a drama about a young woman who leads a vigilante girl gang enforcing Christian standards in Brazil; ‘Squaring the Circle’, a documentary about the creative team responsible for some ...
What it’s like being called a ‘cock-biter’ - how Maeve is misunderstood and underestimated. Plus revenge porn, toxic friendships and fears or fascination around sex. In this two parter: we look at the girls first and what they face growing up in this hugely popular Netflix show.
We'd love to hear your comments and guest suggestions on the show. Email: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For...
An emotional interview with Pixar director and voice over, Peter Sohn, about his latest film ‘Elemental’. During the interview Peter opens up to Simon about why this film is particularly close to his heart.
Mark reviews the seventh film in the Mission Impossible franchise, ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell and Rebecca Ferguson, plus a new heartfelt documentary ‘Name Me Lawand’, which shows us the world from the point of view of a migrant whose life was transformed by a school for the deaf in the UK.
Plus Mark and Simon cover this week’s Box...
Emotional contagion in gang culture is not the only issue driving this week's client. Does compartmentalising ruthless work and being a caregiver have ill effects? We delve into how grief can drive reckless decision-making to become Top Boy.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy bacp.co.uk
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‘Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a modern creative force’ who keeps Harrison Ford on his toes, according to director James Mangold, who has just directed the fifth film in the Indiana Jones franchise, ‘Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny’.
Simon is remote from Denmark, so Mark takes the reins on this week’s interview, in which they discuss the genius of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and agree Toby Jones can do no wrong whilst talking about working with Harrison Ford...
Mark reviews ‘Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny’, plus Isabelle Huppert’s new French thriller ‘La Syndicaliste’ and this week’s Box ...
The difference between personality types: Feeler or Dealer. Plus why Mitch is so desperate to be one of the crowd and Cam wants to stand outside of it. We explore two of our favourite characters in more detail.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy bacp.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/shrink...
Work experience with Kenneth Branagh. A guardian angel dance troupe. The Simon Mayo cameo that could have been. This week’s episode features an interview with Aisling Bea and Lara McDonnell, who star as the younger and older iterations of the lead character in ‘Greatest Days’, a jukebox musical featuring the hits of Take That.
Mark reviews ‘No Hard Feelings’, Jennifer Lawrence’s new, R-rated, coming-of-age sex comedy; ‘Nimona’, a computer-animated fantasy featuring the voices of Riz Ahmed and Chloë Grace Moretz, which sees a knight and a scrappy shapeshifting teen team up to prove the form...
What does infidelity say about a marriage? How can honesty in the face of money laundering keep a family together, and what sort of mother is Wendy? We learn how a wholesome American mum holds her nerve (and maybe even thrives) against a cartel.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy bacp.co.uk
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Sibling disagreements on set. Making sense of the DC universe. The legend that is Michael Keaton. This week’s episode features an interview with director and producer brother-sister duo Andy and Barbara Muschietti about their contentious, new, time-bending superhero movie, ‘The Flash’.
Mark reviews ‘Extraction 2’, the second instalment of the Russo Brothers’ Chris Hemsworth-helmed action franchise; ‘The Flash’, DC's latest controversy-ridden offering starring Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, a forensic scientist who gains the power of superhuman speed after being struck by lightning; and ‘Prett...
With special guest Kiell Smith-Bynoe who plays Mike in hit BBC comedy ‘Ghosts’. Ben and Sasha ask: is sharing your partner with a group of ghosts a metaphor for partnerships and what’s it like to act next to dead people? Plus, they take a look at why it's not just our upbringing that shapes us, but also the time we come from. Recorded Live at The Podcast Show in London.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help ...
Violin-offs. A fresh interpretation of Marie Antoinette. Simon Mayo, a fashionista? This week’s episode features an interview with actors Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Lucy Boynton about their new biographical period drama, 'Chevalier’.
Mark reviews ‘Medusa Deluxe’, a murder mystery set in a high-stakes hairdressing competition; ‘Chevalier’, an upcoming biographical drama based on the true story of Black composer Joseph Bologne, the son of an enslaved Senegalese woman and a French plantation owner, who rose to great heights in 18th Century French society; and 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts', ...
What’s an anxious ruminator? What happens when self-blame is a way of life and how stationery can be lethal? We learn that there’s a little bit of George in all of us and how to keep it at bay.
Our top ten George episodes (available on Netflix)
Season 2, episode 4: The Phone Message
Season 4, episode 10: The Contest
Season 4, episode 15: The Shoes
Season 5, episode 14: The Marine Biologist
Season 5, episode 21: The Opposite
Season 7, episode 19: The Calzone
Season 7, episode 22: The Invitation
Season 7, episode 7: The Secret Code
Season 8, episode 9: The Abstinence
Season 8, epis...
Simon interviews director Rob Savage about his latest release, 'The Boogeyman’.
Mark reviews, ‘Reality’ - which depicts the unauthorized release of government intelligence to the media about Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.‘The Boogeyman’ - an upcoming American supernatural horror film directed by Rob Savage about an entity that enters a family’s house and preys on their recent bereavement; 'Spider-man: Across The Spider-Verse' the superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Miles Morales meeting a team of protective Spider-People.
Time Codes (relevant o...
How anger can be a force for good, are we misusing the word ‘trigger’ and what happens when a birthday party turns into a domestic. We deep dive into the police sergeant’s life to see how she copes (or not).
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy bacp.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/shrink Tr...
In this special live version of the show from Union Chapel in Islington, Mark reviews, ‘Master Gardener’ - a film which follows a horticulturist devoted to tending the grounds of a beautiful estate owned by a wealthy dowager; ‘Hypnotic’ which sees a detective investigating a mystery involving his missing daughter, and a secret government program; ‘The Gallows Pole’ – which recounts the true story of a gang of land-workers in Yorkshire in the late 18th century, who embezzle the Crown.
We also speak to Shane Meadows + Sophie McShera, the director and star of ‘The Gallows Pole’.
Time Codes (...
Ben and Sasha break down how the Schitt’s Creek siblings are fuelled differently, the different flavours of wine, and why quality time with the ones who love us most, trumps all.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy bacp.co.uk
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Mark reviews, ‘Fast X’ - Dom Toretto and his family are back again to confront the most lethal opponent that they've ever faced; ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret’ - a film exploring eleven-year-old Margaret’s entry into life, friendship and adolescence; ‘Beau Is Afraid’ - sometimes the greatest adventures come from one’s darkest fears. From Ari Aster, director of Hereditary and Midsommar.
We also speak with Director Louis Leterrier from the Fast X franchise about XYZ
Time Codes (relevant only when you are part of the Vanguard):
Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret Review
Box Office T...
Ben and Sasha ask why do some people behave like big babies (and why is it more obvious in wealthy people); why can trying to hold on to someone mean you actually push them away, and how can we learn to spot terrible mistakes heading in our direction?
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy bacp.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE ...
Mark and Simon look ahead to what to look out for this summer! Mark reviews ‘Book Club: The Next Chapter’ – the sequel of four best friends who take their book club to Italy for the fun girls’ trip they never had; ‘Still: A Michael J Fox Movie’ - follows the life of beloved actor and advocate Michael J. Fox, exploring his personal and professional triumphs and travails with Parkinson’s Disease; ‘Plan 75’ - follows the Japanese government's program to encourage older people to be euthanized to rejuvenate an aging society.
Time Codes (relevant only when you are part of the Vanguard):
14:40 ...
Ben & Sash explore what makes a successful confidence trickster, and how Jimmy McGill is full of contradictions: criminal and yet kind. Plus, how it’s difficult not to slide back into old habits without the right support.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy bacp.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn...
Director of Hereditary and Midsommar, Ari Aster, joins Mark and Simon to discuss his new film ‘Beau is Afraid’. He explains how doing press isn’t his favourite part of the process, but divulges some of his feelings on the film with Mark and Simon.
Mark reviews ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ – where Marvel’s Cinematic Universe expands into the cosmos – and Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt; ‘Return to Seoul’ - chronicles a 25-year-old French woman first return to South Korea since birth, where she tries to find her biological parents; ‘Blue Kaftan’ depict...
Ben Bailey Smith and Sasha Bates delve into the Shrink the Box emails to answer questions, discuss new character suggestions and pick each other’s brains.
This week: they muse on whether the Roy Family (Succession) could really do a group therapy session and Ben asks Sasha whether she ever dislikes her clients (and other tricky therapist conundrums).
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapi...
Penelope Wilton talks about the logistics of filming The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and what it was like working alongside Jim Broadbent. Following their Easter break, Mark reviews ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ - an upcoming British drama film directed by Hettie Macdonald about the lengths one man will go to, to see his dying friend; ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ which depicts the life of Rock n Roll legend; ‘Polite Society’ which covers one sister’s attempt at the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood.
Time Codes (relevant on...
Ben and Sasha delve into the Shrink the Box emails to answer questions, discuss new character suggestions and pick each other’s brains.
This week: they wonder whether analysing a fictional character means you are analysing the writer too. Plus what it would be like to have a werewolf on the couch.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for Coun...
Rachel Weisz and Alice Birch discuss remaking David Cronenberg's chiller ‘Dead Ringers’ and the importance of depictions of birth on screen. Super subs Rhianna Dhillon and Robbie Collin stand in whilst Mark and Simon are away.
Robbie reviews ‘How To Blow Up A Pipeline’ - about a group of environmental activists who want to make their voices heard and disrupt an oil pipeline; ‘Evil Dead Rise’ an American supernatural horror film written and directed by Lee Cronin, which is the fifth installment of the Evil Dead film series; as well as Prime Video series ‘Dead Ringers’.
Time Codes (relevant...